Inspired by Gustav Klimts Water Serpents & my youngest brother's love
of tattooing; I’m now discovering the alluring brilliance of tattoo ink
used on paper.

cherieblossomart@hotmail.com

Three
Fates: Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos

2012
- 2015
Oil on canvas & gold leaf
100 x 150cm

When
I started this work it was out of my interest in the soul's journey
or life plan. Although around the time I finished this work I had lost
six loved ones in a short time frame; in turn leaving me wondering if
it was all apart of their destiny or fate to have exited life when they
did... The diamonds symbolise souls in waiting for their destiny to
begin.

The
three sisters are said to sit beneath the earth and weave our destinies.
In Greek mythology the three Fates each have a role; Clotho the youngest
sister spins the thread of destiny and decides on the arrival time of
each individuals birth. Lachesis has the role of measuring the length
of each thread in life. Atropos has the fateful role of cutting the
cord of life bringing each individuals destiny to an end.

The concept underpinning this body of work is environmental upheavals
that weigh heavily on one's conscience when it touches so many people’s
lives. These meteorological or environmental occurrences including, flooding’s
and devastating earth quakes in New Zealand and Japan. And on a more local
level being witness to the ferocity of North Queensland cyclones. These
apprehensions are exaggerated here through the head pieces as symbolized
by swirling energy. One head piece focuses more on questioning the wrath
of mother nature from a universal perspective with a swirling head piece.
And the other symbolises more localised level of concern represented by
foliage.

Soul
Sista

2015

Oils on Canvas

90
x 60 cm

Commission
request by local Radio Hostess Dodie Eggmolesse, from 4K1G. Created
with an aim to capture Dodie's soul sista groove & love of music.
Incoporating some of her favourite colours into the piece as well as her
crocodile totem animal, as symbols in her hair.

cherieblossomart@hotmail.com

Emilie
du Chatelet
2012

Oil on canvas

100 x 80cm

Emilie du Chatelet (1706-1749) was born into the Enlightenment era. Unsatisfied
with living the life of a lady, Emilie excelled at: dancing,
singing, sports and writing. Considering the time frame this was a remarkable
feat for a woman. Emilie was an educated intellectual, talented scientist,
brilliant mathematician and had an aptitude for learning languages. Her
love of learning led her to attend academic meetings and frequent the
King’s Library at the Louvre. Renowned lover of Voltaire (François-Marie
Arouet - 1694-1778) has over-shadowed her brilliance. Emilie tried to
encourage her counterparts to allow women the right to: “…participate
in all the privileges of humanity, especially those of the mind.”
[The Translator's Preface by Émilie du Châtelet,
1735.]

Donated
In Kind to: Ronald Mc Donald House, charity.

Life Drawing

Lost
in a Reverie
2011

Oil on canvas

97 x 78cm

North Queensland’s tropical heat can be suppressive and often overwhelms.
It weaves its' way like a weed into everything but here one finds an escape
~ lost in a reverie of surrounding snowflakes; reminiscent of early childhood
years spent in the colder New Zealand climate.

The
reoccurring theme of swirls imbedded in the artist's subconscious mind,
drawn from being surrounded by beautiful Maori carvings and the native
New Zealand Punga fern (Cyathea dealbata) as a child.

Tropical heat has you beat
Humid and hot - cool it is not
Find a breeze will it ease…
Lost in a trance
where the snow-flakes dance

Life Drawing

Le
Kiss (2)

2011

Oil on canvas

70 x 60cm

(Commisioned to recreate an Ode to Gustav Klimt)

"Le
baiser"

As Klimt was Cherie's motivation
with this piece entitled "The Kiss",
She loves the inspiration
of a couple locked in bliss.
In a moment that is so sensual
caressing as soft as a feather-
but a kiss is never perpetual,
Only the painting will last forever.

Poem by Gary Warne

Life Drawing

Anchorage

2010

Oils on Canvas

100
x 100cm

Surrounded
by the reoccuring swirls motif symbolizing silver awen energy, she calmly
sits on the greenest grass - entranced under the deep blue sky. Eyes closed
journeying inwards, anchored amongst the flowers that are symbolic images
of the many blessings in her life; as she quietly contemplates her future.

Blue
and green should never been seen but in nature it looks so serene.

Here
a lady sits in quiet contemplation, reflecting on her past reminicent
of swirl motif. The thirty-six stars are symbolic of significant events
or seeds that have been sown in her life. The swirls represent roots,
which tie her to the life map that has led her to the present. An inner
strength is born from such ponderings, stimulating a boost of energy that
is drawn upon for the subsequent part of the life map or journey ahead.

Life Drawing

Essence
2008

Oil on Canvas

60
x 50 cm

"We
each draw a world of line, form, and colour using ink. Our instrument
is no more then a speck of consciousness, like a pencil point moving across
a blank piece of paper. ... Could anything be more mysterious and at the
same time more miraculous?" (Chopra, 2004 p. 251.)
This painting featured on front cover of Connect Magazine:http://beeuniversal.org/?p=246

Life Drawing

Judith
2008

Oil on Canvas

100
x 80cmOur
client commissioned a contemporary classic painting to tell the story
about the human condition and human's poor relationship with the earth.

Artistic
themes are inspired from Gustav Klimt's Judith and HolothrenI,
although Judith is shown here holding planet earth, rather than a severed
head.

Life Drawing

Shine

2008

Acrylic & Oils on Canvas

50
x 60 cm

"It
is our fear of giftedness that complicates life. All problems have at
their root the fear of taking the next step in life and the fear of acknowledging
our gifts and talents. These so called problems are resolved with ease
and simplicity by simply acknowledging our life enhancing gifts and unwrapping
our Presence." (Dr Chuck Spezzano.)

cherieblossomart@hotmail.com

Dancer
& Shattered
2006
Oil on Canvas
100 x 80cm each
Model in studio. Two from a series of three paintings.Dancer was
an in kind contribution. Shattered is now a part of the Mt Isa
Council Collection.

Life Drawing

Icyellow

2005

Acrylic/Oil
on Canvas

80
x 45cm

This
piece is inspired by Gustav Klimt's Water Serpents II, 1904-07. The intention
was to hone in on the upper portion and face of the main serpent. I am
pleased with the way a spiritual sense of tranquility and abandonment
has been captured.

Life
Drawing.

2003

Model
in studio

Pen
on paper

A
lady that's nude
is a sight to adore.
There is nothing rude
only a woman to draw.

With
a face to behold
she sits so still,
I can make her seem bold
with ink and a quill.
Poem by Gary Warne

Oil on canvas50
x 40cms
Commissioned by one sister for another to help her during her time of
stress.

Animal Totem ~ Wolf: Wolves have been long regarded by Native Americans as teachers or
pathfinders. Wolves are fiercely loyal to their mates, and have a strong
sense of family while maintaining individualism. They are truly free spirits,
even though their packs are highly organized. Traditionally, someone with
Wolf Medicine has a strong sense of self, and communicates well through
subtle changes in voice inflection and body movements. Wolf's medicine
includes facing the end of one's cycle with dignity and courage, death
and rebirth, Spirit teaching, guidance in dreams and meditations, instinct
linked with intelligence, social and family values, outwitting enemies,
ability to pass unseen, steadfastness, skill in protection of self and
family, taking advantage of change.http://www.crystalinks.com/totemanimals.html

cherieblossomart@hotmail.com

Black
Palm Cockatoo ~ Pearl
2016

Oil on canvas

100 x 80 cm

I
was privileged and delighted to be commissioned to paint a beautiful juvenile
Australian Black Cockatoo (Probosciger Aterrimus), named Pearl as a Birthday
gift.

"According
to advice from the Commonwealth’s Threatened Species Scientific Committee,
the palm cockatoo faces extinction through the loss of suitable nesting
hollows arising from the cumulative impact of fire, cyclones, and mining.
In addition, Queensland’s weakened vegetation laws now leave its habitat
vulnerable to clearing for agriculture" (Picone, A. [2016],
An Endangered Cockatoo).

cherieblossomart@hotmail.com

My
Wise Owl Fiend2016

Oils on canvas

40 x 40cm

Created
for one of my closest friends ~ an owl to symbolise her wisdom, as she
always gives me good advise.

Animal Totem ~ Owl: The owl spirit animal is emblematic of a deep
connection with wisdom and intuitive knowledge.
http://www.spiritanimal.info/owl-spirit-animal/

Red
Robin a Symbol of Love for my bebe Brother
2015-2016

Oils on canvas

30 x 30cm

A Red Robbin at the centre of this work is reminiscent of a childhood
game once played in the tree tops with my younger brother.

The Robbin here is surrounded by the flower of life symbol; a geometrical
flower composed of multiple evenly-spaced, overlapping circles, arranged
in a flower like pattern. The Flower of Life having a spiritual
significance and often linked to meditative mandalas.

The combinations of these personally symbolic images are captured in a
semi-golden ring, representing a halo for my brother; all cosily framed
by a patchwork style quilt. The latter to portray that I wished I could
have provided more comfort for him during his death.

Bugs
Life2016
Graphite on paper and card
25 x 20 cm each

I
love the microscopic intricacies, patterns and details found in nature
and all creatures great and small ...

Healing
Tree

2015

Sealed Acrylic Mural Work

290 x 390 cm

This
tree was designed for Uniting Care Community, Townsville and was imagined
around the notion of healing.

Reminiscent
of the Horses on carousel rides at carnivals; as a child I imagined
when no one was around they would come alive and escape, to run wild
and free.

I
actually painted this image without realising it aligned nicely with
the Chinese Astrology for 2014: the year of the Horse. The Horse sign
being noted as: clever, kind to others, popular among their friends,
active at work & they refuse to give into failure.

On
our drives into the country when we were young our Mother used to tell
us to make a wish when we saw a white horse as they were auspicious
and good luck.

My
mother was a skilled artist and taught me how to draw in a more serious
way at aged 8... Later in life I became my Mother's carer for a year
and a half and she often pottered in to watch me painting this piece;
telling me it was her favorite work I had done, as she loved horses
so much. The next year she passed away and we placed her ashes in a
beautiful white and gold horse urn.

The reoccurring theme of swirls may be imbedded in the artists subconscious
mind drawn from having lived in New Zealand for seven years as a child;
surrounded by beautiful Maori carvings and the native Punga fern (Cyathea
dealbata).

In kind contribution

Awen
Flowers

2011

Ink on silk

25 x 35cm

A subtle energy that permeates all that is flows here through these simplified
flowers.

Again incorporating the reoccurring
swirl motif inspired from a childhood spent in New Zealand; surrounded
by beautiful Maori carvings and the native Punga fern (Cyathea dealbata).

Pheonix
Rising

2011

Oil on canvas

100 x 100cm

During my 1st Social Work placement, at a local Townsville Youth Shelter
I was asked by a Case Manager to do a work to depicting the youths journey
from rising up out of the ashes, overcoming their adversity, to shine.
He supplied an image idea and this painting was the result.

Rose

2010 (Commission)

Oils on Canvas

100 x 100 cm

This
painting was created for a great man who recently passed away. He loved
his garden and especially this breed of Rose; so his family commissioned
this painting in his loving memory. He will be missed dearly…

Frangipanis
2010 (Commission)

Oils on Canvas

66 x 102cm

Heady perfume wafting in the night
Beautiful fragrance such a delight

Raindrops
glisten on pastel petals
More splendid then precious metals

At
their end pirouetting to the ground
Frangi panis brief splendour wilts turning brown

Portrait
of Lucy & Apollo
2010 (Commission)

Oils on Canvas

50 x 50cm

Some
are called Rover
And they all love to lick
Some can rollover
While others fetch a stick

They're
a man's best friend
But can be a woman's too
By your side till the end
With a faithfulness that's true

They'll
always be there
Forever mine
a life to share
With our trusty K9s
Poem by Gary Warne

Tropical
North Butterfly
2010

Oils on Canvas

50 x 50cm each

They
flutter and fly
In the air so light
In a clear blue sky
Their colours are bright

They'll land on you
Like a meet and greet
And it's actually true
They taste with their feet

They can mean success
Or rebirth of the soul
You’re sure to be blessed
No matter their role

Like angels arriving
From heaven above
It's not surprising
They can also mean love…

Gecko
2010

Oils on Canvas

50 x 50cm

With
suction capped feet
They’ll stick to your wall
It’s quite a feat
Even the ceiling they crawl

A
cute little lizard
That can see in the dark
Like a reptile wizard
Can even look like bark

In
the blackness of night
Their chirping echoes
Calling till light
To other geckosPoem
by Gary Warne

Tropical
North Frog
2010

Oils on Canvas

50 x 50cm

Northern Tropics
Shear features
So exotic
Many creatures

Deep and lush
Colours of green
Stroke of a brush
Makes them gleam

Branch of a tree
Or fallen log
So much to see
Just like my frog
Poem by Gary Warne

Tropical
North Butterfly
2010

Oils on Canvas

40 x 40cm each

They
flutter and fly
In the air so light
In a clear blue sky
Their colours are bright

They'll land on you
Like a meet and greet
And it's actually true
They taste with their feet

They can mean success
Or rebirth of the soul
You’re sure to be blessed
No matter their role

Like angels arriving
From heaven above
It's not surprising
They can also mean love…

Orchids
2009

Water Colour - Pencils on Paper

30 x 21cm each

In
French it's a Fleur
In English a Flower
In life they stir
Feelings that shower

Whether good or bad
They touch our soul
Whether happy or sad
They have their role

In love and romance
Or death and despair
They trigger a trance
We all can share

From seed to bloom
The flower with pollen
They play us a tune
That's joyful or solemn.Poem
by Gary Warne

Little crawlies
Every where
Nature’s gifts
We all share
Poem by Gary Warne & Cherie Payne

cherieblossomart@hotmail.com

A
Honey Bird Appeared
2009
Oils on Canvas80
x 100cm
Through a fortunate stroke of serendipity, a honey bird appeared and is
reminiscent of finding a weakened Honey bird when residing in Cairns in
2000. After cyclone Steve's devastating effect on the local flora and
fauna, there were no flowers left for the honey birds so we took him home
and gave him honey and sugar water until he was strong enough to release
him back into the wild where we found him.

"Severe
Tropical Cyclone Steve was a tropical cyclone that affected northern Australia
from 27 February 2000 until 11 March 2000. Cyclone Steve was noted for
its longevity and traversal of northern and western Australia".
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone_Steve]

One
for Chloe
2007
Oils on Canvas
80 x 100cm

This
painting was completed for my niece Shareene, who struggled with the loss
of her close friend Chloe, amongst others, during the Bali bombing,
terrorist attack. Chloe's life was cut short, she was so young and on
the threshold of the rest of her life; as symbolised here by this freshly
bloomed frangi pani.
A portion of the memorial sculpture, in memory for the Bali Bombing victims,
has been included in the lower right-hand corner of this work. The sculpture
was designed by artist Sasha Reid and erected at Coogee headland, NSW;
Coogee also being a place reminiscent for extended family picnics &
BBQ's when growing up in the Sydney region.

The memorial Sculpture is noted for: The three linked figures...signifying family, friends and community.
Bowed in sorrow and remembrance, they comfort, support and protect each
other, [http://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/community/whats-on/bali-memorial].

Loftin

2005

100 x 45cm

Oil
in Canvas

Another
place another time... Having friends who live abroard I often find myself
travelling to far-away places in my imagination.

A
Metaphor for Life

2003

oil on canvas

42 x 42cms

A pruned pomander tree is shown in the foreground of a calm setting. This
image is indicative of socially acceptable behavior, as no matter how
much may be going on under the surface we are accustomed to keeping a
level of control. A freestanding white feather is again associated with
hope. The inclusion of the displaced curtain along the edge is a subtle
hint that dysfunctions exist within our society.

I
enjoy the calming escape falling into yet another Mandala painting, almost
reminiscent of a stained glass church window.

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really
love. It will not lead you astray.”Rumi

cherieblossomart@hotmail.com

Candy
Skull...
2016

Oil on canvas

45 x 45 cm

A
Candy Skull for my niece Maddy, who misses her Dad every day... &
more recently her Grandmother. Sugar skulls represent departed souls and
can be a gentle reminder to help us focus on the sweeter memories we have
with our loved ones who have passed away.

The idea of the Candy Skull tradition is Mexican; where families choose
to celebrate the lives of their dearly departed friends and relatives
as an opposite to most cultures that tend to mourn the dead… the skull
symbolizes death but in a positive manner. In Mexico it is believed that
death is not the final stage in one’s life but rather a step forward into
a higher level of conscience (Anabela Gavrilova: 2013).

Mandala
- Peace

2015

Sealed Acrylic Mural Work

150 x 150 cm

This
Mandala was another mural design for Uniting Care Community, Townsville
and again planned around the notion of healing.

Native
Americans believe that the night air is filled with dreams both good and
bad. The dream catcher when hung over or near your bed swinging freely
in the air, catches the dreams as they flow by. The good dreams know how
to pass through the dream catcher, slipping through the outer holes and
slide down the soft feathers so gently that many times the sleeper does
not know that he/she is dreaming. The bad dreams not knowing the way get
tangled in the dream catcher and perish with the first light of the new
day.

"The ocean of infinite consciousness gives birth to billions
of souls in this world. Expressing itself as the infinite diversity of
life, and yet its nature remains the same. It’s always there. It
never disappears; it only transforms. So, too, we do not lose our soul,
our true essence, as we transform into all of these molecules, all of
these minds, all of these bodies, all of these relationships. Just in
life, so beyond death there is continued transformation of that which
we call individual."

Deepak
Chopra

Gifted to the Townsville Hosptial
Social Work Department.

Love
- Water Crystals

2010/11

Acrylic on canvas

45
x 55 cm

Reminiscent
of a mandala, a spiritual and relaxing endeavor to create, these designs
were again
inspired by Dr Masru Emoto's research into water crystals.http://www.masaru-emoto.net/

I
found his dicoveries amazing and beautiful! This is my interpretation
of a water crystal photographed by Dr Emoto, which had been exposed to
the word Thankyou.

cherieblossomart@hotmail.com

Om
Daksham Namah

2008

Oil on Canvas

80
x 100 cm

This
was an experimental work aiming to capture flexibility. As explained by
Deepak Chopra in his book titled, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga "...actions
acheive maximal benefit with little effort... like the blossoming of a
flower, or the movement of the stars, you do not see nature straining.
There is a rhythm and balance in the natural world." (Chopra,
2004 Pp: 60-61).
So allowing my brush to flow this peice came into being...

Cherie
Blossom ArtPortraits

Soldier
for my Son
2017

Oil on canvas

75 x 60cms
A painting gifted to my son, inspired by his love of the game Diablo
III; he requested a Crusades style soldier. Created with an intention
to include his facial features into the work.

He
helped in the completion of the work by adding the simplified birds flying
high in the background.

The
crusades were a series of military campaigns sanctioned by the Roman Catholic
Church during the Middle Ages, stretching from 1096 into the 15th century
Jeffrey, M. (2017). "War and Religion: An Encyclopedia of Faith and
Conflict".

cherieblossomart@hotmail.com

Elvis
Portrait
Coloured pencil & pastel on card

30 x 21cm

“Maybe
I didn't treat you
Quite as good as I should have...
Maybe I didn't love you
Quite as often as I could have...
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time...
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind”

Elvis Presley

cherieblossomart@hotmail.com

Portrait
of Sebastian #3

2004

Pastels
and Water colour on Magnani Paper.
80 x 50 cm

My early life of ambition
could never have foreseen
the gift of my Sebastian

A
son of unexpected glory
That has shaped my soul
With a never ending story

Touched
by an Angel above
I was unexpectedly blessed
By my sweet little boy so full of love
Poem by Gary Warne

The
Arch again aims to capture intrigue of what lies in the next room. The
two dolls being sisters, one with hands facing up, to symbolize a need
to understand one's reality. The other doll's hands are shown facing down
to show denial. The feather is another reoccuring element within the work,
used to denote hope.

Whisper
2010

Oils on Canvas

75 x 60cm
The doll in this piece is a replica from an earlier painting titled: "Sisters"
2002, symbolising one's inner child. The doll stands atop the centrepiece
from another earlier painting titled: “A Lil Box of Me", 2008.
The wording ‘Whisper’ is formed from smoke wafting up from
the dolls hands. The intention beings to portray stillness as a means
of escaping the fast paced world in which we live. The daily news headlines
of atrocities, cruelty and suffering often overwhelms. Thus, a desire
to withdraw to stillness is what underpins the concept of this work. It
represents blocking out the broadcasts until they are barely audible ~
just a distant whisper.

The
two dolls a symbol for sisters, one dark haired and one light depicting
opposite personality traits. Clothed similarly in dresses hand made by
Mother. The teddy bear remiscent of childhood days gone by. The yellowing
arched hedge a symbol of the Mother figure who has recently passed away.
This art work aims to capture that sense of isolation felt while grieving;
and of questioning what next...

cherieblossomart@hotmail.com

Arched Hedge Series
Symbolic work

Departure
Point #4 - Work in Progress
2016
Oils on Canvas
80 x 100cm

Another
in the winding path/arched hedge series.
The arched hedge symbolising the mother figure, with the trees alongside
symbolising the offspring. The three shimmery yellow/gold coloured trees
representing three of the seven children that have now passed away. Their
positioning shown in birth order.

The archway acting as an entry point to the world for example a mother's
womb. Yet the winding path that leads out and beyond the horizon line,
seen through the arch, also being an exit point from this world. The pathway
being like a map that guides the departed loved ones to a safe haven located
in the metaphysical realm. A fountain of water is also shown here as a
symbol for purification of the soul once on the other side.

Departure
Point #3
2008
Oils on Canvas
80 x 100cm

Another
in the winding path/arched hedge series.
The arched hedge symbolising the mother figure, with the trees alongside
symbolising the offspring. The two shimmery yellow/gold coloured trees
representing two of the seven children that have passed away. Their positioning
shown within birth order.
The archway acting as an entry point to the world for example a mother's
womb. Yet the winding path that leads out and beyond the horizon line,
seen through the arch, also being an exit point from this world. The pathway
being like a map that guides the departed loved ones to a safe haven located
in the metaphysical realm. An Angel is shown here as a means of comfort
for those dealing with loss.

Departure
Point No# 2.
2008

Oil on Canvas

100
x 80cm

This
work is dedicated to another brother who recently passed away. In this
work there are two trees, one on either side of the arch, representing
the two lost siblings. Unlike Departure Point No#1 no gate is found in
this painting, as the earlier departed brother acts as a guide making
it a smoother transition so to speak. Each tree defined in a shimmery
yellow/gold, unlike the deeper greens of the surrounding foliage. The
winding path again used as a symbol for our souls journey through life
then on into the afterlife. The lop-sided curtain being a reoccuring element
throughout my work.

Beyond
One's Comfort Zone

2006

Oil
on Canvas

100
x 80cm

This
painting is about stepping out of the square we sometimes find ourselves
living in.
It is important to continue to push beyond one's comfort zone...

Beyond

2004

Oil
on Canvas

100
x 88cm

Arches
and winding pathways are reoccurring elements within my work symbolizing
one's journey through life. The gate represents obstacles that we sometimes
encounter and learn how to unlock, in order to move beyond.

Ciao Bella, Townsville.

Departure
Point #1

2003

Oil
on canvas

100 x 80cm

This
painting is very special as it was dedicated to my brother who died. It
came together so beautifully. Another archway, this time it has moved
beyond the confines of an interior. The gate leading up to the archway
represents a choice to move beyond. The seven trees are associated with
the seven siblings. Four aligned on one side and three on the other. Arranged
in birth order, the lone tree positioned within the arch is the brother
who passed over.

The
Pawn in the Game of Life

2002

Oil
on Canvas

100
X 100cm.

The
archway is a common element within my paintings. The lighting sets the
mood of mystery, the archway helps to capture a context for this mood
by leading into another room lying just beyond the pictorial field. By
intention, this withholding of information, in the sense of a room that
cannot be seen, triggers the intrigue. This notion aligns with my personal
yearning to comprehend subjects of a metaphysical nature.

Aboriginal
Art Work
Fertility ~ by Nuuna

2011

Acrylic on Canvas

45 x 60cm

I appreciate Aboriginal artwork and their culture.

Nuuna
is an artist based on the Sunshine Coast Queensland.

Her
colours and designs are beautiful and I am grateful for this gorgeous
painting she created for me.

This
painting is based on a dream that I had a few years ago while still at
university. In dream interpretations to dream of a brightly coloured butterfly
traditionally symbolises prosperity and success. Or rebirth and transformation.
Either way I like to think it was an auspicious dream promising a bright
and happy future.

A
lil box of me (1)
2008
Oil on Canvas

60
x 50 cm

The
swirls encapsulated within this box symbolise my inner emotions, locked
tight. Only a few have been allowed entry to my inner world. Located in
warm, safe surroundings a light breeze is blowing through the open window
reflecting a gentle nature. The quirky, swirling curtain also a reflection
of character. The colours are deep, passionate yet mysterious.

Egyptian
Secrets2007

Oil
on Canvas

60
x 100cm

".
. . Leave behind the material world, and imagine yourself immeasurably
expansive. Rise out of time to eternity. Believe that for you nothing
is impossible. See that you are immortal and learned in every art and
science. Be at home in the haunts of every living creature. Make yourself
higher than the highest and deeper than the depths. Embrace within yourself
all opposites-heat and cold hard and fluid. Think yourself everywhere
at once on land, at sea, in heaven.. . ."
The Hermetica: The Lost Wisdom of The Pharaohs. (1999) T. Freke &
P. Gandy.

Perc's
Purses

2006

Oil
on Canvas

Each 45 x 45 cm

The
concept here revolved around Purses for a Perc Tucker exhibition. Each
purse is aimed at capturing a mixture of local, Townsville female characters.
The basket symbolic of an older laid back country style woman. The heart
purse represents a younger funky chick on the go. The green swag style
purse aimed to capture a nature loving type of woman, incorporating the
Australian Aboriginal colors in the background. The last purse being yellow
with embroidered diamantes, highlighting the more sophisticated or elegant
women of Townsville

This
Triptych is about the inevitability of souls that are destined to come
together. In this instance the smallest purple ring is a newborn soul
making its way towards the chosen parents. The soul selects the most appropriate
parents in order to learn all that is needed for maximum spiritual growth.

Circles/spheres
associate with feminine energy. The swirls interwoven in the images again
depict the awen energy. The smaller circles/spheres symbolise the mothers
babes'. The swirls signifying entwined destinies.

Continued
research for honous thesis led me to discover Hildegard von Bingen's vision
of an Afterlife... Her writings include nine books and seventy poems.
Mostly based on the heavenly visions she experienced beginning at the
age of three, which continued throughout her life... Central to this exploration
is a personal desire to not only comprehend the notion of an afterlife
but also find solace when dealing with the death of loved ones. This work
takes different elements from some of her poems and some of her art work
- combining it all together to create this peice depicting her visions
of an after life.

Jacob's
Ladder

2006

Oil
on Canvas

85 x 45 cm

During
my honours research for A Pictorial Compendium of an Afterlife; this work
was inspired by some of the famed early print makers - including Wenceslaus
Hollar (1607 – 1677) and beautiful works by Albrecht Dürer (1471
– 1528) combined to create this work as a means of capturing what Heaven
may look like...

The candelabra figure, a symbol for Mother, holds up her three children.
Our Mother had seven children, although by the time the youngest three
children came along the older four brothers were living independently.
The wafting candle smoke is symbolic of spiritual leanings. The power
point socket comparable to Edvard Munch’s (1863 - 1944), painting The
Scream.

Life
is but a Dream

2003

Oil
on canvas

88 x 53 cm

The vase or vessel holds a dried out branch, each stem being associated
with the various paths ways or cross roads we have encountered in life.
It is depicted in a harsh manner as it was completed around the time that
one of my brothers was dying and I was angry that he had such a tough
journey in life. Through the archway is a glimmer of light, which is linked
to a sense of hope that life may be brighter around the next corner..

This
work was completed after seeing the nightly news stories showing the hardship
of the local Kosovo community members fleeing for their lives - with whatever
they could carry, in search for a safe haven. I was a young mum at the
time with a baby of my own and seeing the Mothers struggling through the
snow, with babies in arms really tore at my heart strings.

Years later, as fate prevailed, through volunteer Nursing Home visiting
program, I ended up being matched to visit with an elderly Croation Gentle
man who had immigrated to Australia years earlier. Through him I have
learnt about his home land & descriptions of its rugged beauty &
the friendliness of the people. His mother remains over there and is now
93. I feel sad for him that he is now frail and wheel chair bound &
likely to not see his homeland, or his Mother again before departing this
world.

During visits we look at his native Coastal region via my phone and printed
pictures. Through this new friendship connection I too, have fallen in
love with the splender of his Croatia; which has inspired me to want visit
there one day.